Test of the Hikmicro Thermal Vision Monocular FALCON FH35: A Revolution in Night Observation
The Hikmicro FALCON FH35 thermal vision monocular is a technological jewel from Hikmicro, a brand renowned for its innovative optics. Designed for hunting, night observation, surveillance and hiking enthusiasts, this thermal monocular excels in dark environments. Tested during a week-long nocturnal expedition in the forest and mountains, we were impressed by its ability to reveal the invisible, even in total darkness! Whether you're a stalking hunter or a wildlife lover, this monocular is made for you.
Unpacking and first impressions
Opening the box of the FALCON FH35 Thermal Vision Hikmicro Monocular reveals a complete and well-thought-out set of contents: the monocular, a rechargeable Li-ion battery, a USB-C cable for recharging, a practical hand strap, a sturdy protective case and a lens cleaning cloth. The compact cylindrical design is immediately appealing. Weighing in at just 556 g (including battery and strap), it remains easy to handle, even for extended use. The magnesium-alloy finish, covered with a soft-touch material, offers a feeling of premium quality. The intuitive, ambidextrous button layout makes for easy handling, even in the dark.
Optical quality
The Hikmicro FALCON FH35 Thermal Vision Monocular shines with outstanding image quality. Equipped with a 384 x 288 pixel thermal sensor and a 1024 x 768 pixel OLED screen, it delivers impressive clarity, even in total darkness. Thermal sensitivity (NETD < 20 mK) detects the slightest variations in heat, making every detail visible. With magnification ranging from 1x to 8x thanks to the digital zoom, it's perfect for spotting a deer at 200 meters or identifying birds resting on the water at 50 meters. In our test, we were able to spot wild boar at over 250 meters in "red hot" mode, with remarkable sharpness. The 13 m field of view at 100 m is ideal for lowland hunting or forest observation.
Ease of use
The ergonomics of the Hikmicro FALCON FH35 thermal vision monocular are a real highlight. Its compact cylindrical shape makes for a natural grip, whether you're right- or left-handed. The buttons are easily identifiable by touch, making adjustments easy even when wearing gloves. The focus ring is smooth and precise, offering rapid sharpness on moving targets. During a long night of stalking, we felt no fatigue, thanks to its well-balanced design. The HIKMICRO SIGHT app, compatible via Wi-Fi, lets you view and record your observations directly on your smartphone, adding a modern touch to the experience.
Robustness and practicality
The Hikmicro FALCON FH35 thermal vision monocular is designed to cope with the most demanding conditions. IP67 certified, it is fully waterproof and can withstand temporary immersion down to 1 meter for 30 minutes. Rain, fog or snow, nothing can stop it! Its magnesium-alloy construction guarantees rock-solid strength, perfect for intensive use when hiking or hunting. The 7-hour autonomy (with hotspot deactivated) is more than enough for a night out, and the removable battery can be recharged via USB-C or replaced by a back-up battery. The supplied case and wrist strap make it easy to carry, even over long distances.
Technical specifications
| Magnification | 1x to 8x (digital zoom) |
|---|---|
| Lens diameter | 35 mm |
| Field of view | 13 m to 100 m |
| Minimum focusing distance | 3,5 m |
| Weight | 556 g (with battery and hand strap) |
| Dimensions | 19 cm (length) |
| Waterproof | Yes (IP67) |
| Warranty | 3 years |
Comparison with other models
Compared with the Monocular thermal vision HIKMICRO Falcon FH25, also available on binoculars.com, the FALCONFH35 stands out for its longer detection range (1800 m vs. 1200 m for the FH25) and its 35 mm objective lens, which offers greater clarity at longer distances. Both models share the same build quality and ease of use, but the FH35 is better suited to large-scale observations, such as hunting on the plains or surveillance of large areas.
Highlights
- Outstanding image quality thanks to high-sensitivity thermal sensor (NETD < 20 mK).
- An impressive detection range of 1800 m, ideal for hunting and surveillance.
- Compact, ergonomic design, perfect for one-handed use.
- 7-hour autonomy, with a removable rechargeable battery for greater flexibility.
- Rugged construction (IP67), ready for all weather conditions.
Points to note
- The weight of 556 g may seem a little high for a long hike, but it guarantees solid, durable construction.
- The digital zoom loses slightly in quality beyond 4x, but remains sufficient for most observations.
Verdict
The FALCON FH35 Hikmicro Thermal Vision Monocular is a must-have for night observation, hunting or surveillance enthusiasts. Its image quality, robustness and ergonomics make it a reliable companion for exploring the hidden world of night. Whether you're stalking game in the forest or observing birds at dusk, this thermal monocular will amaze you. A must-have for nature and adventure enthusiasts!
